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I've been thinking I need to post more regarding Aikido. This is a public forum for the subject after all. In my search for what to talk about, I was reminded of a confidence that has been growing within me for some time.
It was probably around 4th kyu when I came to the conclusion that I was no longer fearful or worried or concerned about any potential fight or threat made to me. Over the years, I have met a number of alcholics, drug addicts on the street, friends with bad tempers (worse than mine), and just plain idiots looking to start something. For the longest time, I would daydream and think out the situation: If X happened I would need to do Y. Before aikido came along, the end of such a scenerio always ended with someone getting hurt and going to jail.
Since my training began nearly 3 years ago, I've learned to focus my philosophy in life and have fine-tuned it into a physical form as well.
You see, I'm a nice guy. That is who and what I am. Know how alot of people are always trying to figure out who they are? Well, I've figured that part out. And with that comes the responsibility to BE that. And aikido is the tool box from which I do my work.
Aikido isn't just a martial art. It's a philosophy that permiates all things. Personal relationships and communication, self defense and defense of others, protection of yourself and others from themselves.
You see, life can deal out just about anything and you have to always be prepared. Whether it be a criminal trying to rob you or an idiot trying to take out their anger on something or someone... or a drunk being stupid in a bar/resturant; even a family member who slips a cog and finds themselves acting out due to illness like ADD or Alzheimers or something. You never know what it will be.
My father has a cousin older than him. This man has been diagnosed with "dementia," whatever the hell that's supposed to be. This man has mortgaged his home 3 times and used the money to buy artwork and cars that he doesn't need... for no reason. He's in his 70's as is his wife. He has put them so far in debt and wasted away their retirement... his wife is fearful they will be broke and unable to get by before too long. That's a terrible state to be in. And when he is confronted about his actions, he gets angry. Thankfully, he hasn't hurt anyone or himself, but he isn't far from it.
What would I do if this ever happened to my parents or someone close to me? Looking at aikido, you'd want to get off line and blend, right? Redirect the energy. In this case, that would involve getting out of the way and talking to the guy about his actions. See if you can get him to realize the ramifications of his actions. Now, I suspect in this case that that wouldn't be possible. But you can use the doctors.
My sister has a father-in-law in a similar situation. His name is Buck and he's living in a nursing home in her town now and being well taken care of. When he first got there, he protested quite a bit. He wanted his truck most of all so he could drive off and get outta there. She explained to him that he had a better life in this new place. He had people to serve him, bring him his food and wash his clothes, make his bed and best of all... anytime he wanted to go somewhere, he had chaufered service at his beck and call! Well... when you put it that way, I wanna be there too! Since then, Buck has settled in fairly well and is making new friends. He gets his meds on time and people look out for him, even though he thinks its the other way around.
She blended really well and re-directed like a champ.
Okay, I've talked too long and am probably boring the hell outta someone. BY THE WAY... I do welcome comments on my journal entries. Feel free to chime in if you wish. I know I don't know everything, and the more I'm forced to look at other points of view, the more I learn.
On my signature I have a quote that is a favorite of mine: "Knowledge and Experience together are the cornerstone of Wisdom." I firmly believe this. You can read books and study all your life and not be wise. You can travel the world and experience every culture there is to find, and not gain wisdom. But when you combine the two, a world of potential is born inside you from which to act and live and grow. Feedback, to me, is a sharing of experience and knowledge. Good or Bad, something can be learned.
That's another reason I'm all over the forums, even when I'm full of it. Good or Bad, something can always be learned.
12-15-2004 10:41 AM 
BY THE WAY... I do welcome comments on my journal entries. Feel free to chime in if you wish. I know I don't know everything, and the more I'm forced to look at other points of view, the more I learn.
